Janis and Bob Powell, of Belmont, N.H., said they were just outside Jackman when they crossed paths with the moose, which stopped and charged them.

The couple recorded the encounter.

Janis Powell said they've seen moose on the trails in the past 20 years they've been snowmobiling, but the animals usually get scared off.

The moose ran away after the couple shot a gun into the air, Janis Powell said.

MacDonald said wardens would not have known about the incident had the video of the encounter not been posted on social media.

"The videos appearance on social media caused quite a stir, and we naturally investigate an incident like that," said MacDonald.

"There is some concern about what took place," between the couple and the moose, he added.

MacDonald said investigators need to confirm that the confrontation actually occurred in Maine and "how much (of the incident) was moose behavior and how much was human interaction."

Although there has been speculation that the moose was ill, MacDonald said the animal's appearance was typical of having just survived a rough winter.

MacDonald said this is a good opportunity for wardens to educate people about large animals like moose.

Moose normally are docile animals but "they can be in a defensive posture because it is a tough time of year for them," MacDonald said. He added that like other wild animals, moose will protect themselves if they feel threatened.

Maine Wildlife Park Supervisor Curt Johnson said, while it may fascinating to see a moose in the wild, never approach or follow one.

"If you find yourself uncomfortably close to a moose, it's best to quietly and slowly put some distance between you and the animal. Moose tend to stop and stare a lot but that doesn't mean they are approachable or its safe to get closer," said Johnson.

MacDonald said he expects the investigation to take a week or two.

Somerset County District Attorney Maeghan Maloney said she will determine if the case rises to the standard of a criminal offense once the Warden Service is done with its investigation and submits its report.

"When you watch that video you can see the Powell's faced almost very serious consequences from following the moose at such close range," said Maloney

If it is determined to be a criminal offense, the couple could get up to a $1,000 and jail time, but Maloney said she does not believe jail time would be appropriate.

"We don't have many cases like this. In fact, this is the first one that I've been involved with. So it is an unusual case," said Maloney.

The Powell's issued a statement to WMTW News 8 Wednesday afternoon and said, "We are grateful to all of the folks who have reached out to us after we shared this humbling and harrowing experience. We share our passion for the outdoors and wildlife with many of you who enjoy the Maine woods and trails.

"We have nothing but the utmost respect for wildlife, and would never do anything to harm these wonderful creatures. We have seen moose and other wildlife on the trails many times before and have never encountered a situation like this before.

"It was very fortunate especially for the animal involved and for me and my husband as well that no one was hurt. We previously contacted the Warden's Service to let them know that we had encountered a moose on the trail and are currently cooperating with them fully.

"We have learned a lesson from this encounter - that we will need to keep even further away from wildlife in the future - and hope that others can learn from our experience as well. Our video has drawn a lot of attention and healthy conversations and we look forward to putting this matter behind us."